Circuit interrupting device and system utilizing bridge contact mechanism and reset lockout

ABSTRACT

A GFCI device which has reverse wiring protection is provided where no power is present at the face terminals even when the device is reverse wired. The device has a pair of movable bridges connected to its terminals. The terminal bridge pair makes contact with the load and face terminals providing power to these terminals when the device is reset. The device also has a reset lockout feature that prevents it from being reset after having been tripped if the circuit interrupting portion of the device is non-operational.

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of a provisionalapplication having Ser. No. 60/444,469 which was filed on Feb. 3, 2003.

This application is being filed on Oct. 22, 2003 concurrently with acommonly owned and related application entitled “Circuit InterruptingDevice and System Utilizing Electromechanical Reset.”

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present application is directed to a family of resettable circuitinterrupting devices and systems that comprises ground fault circuitinterrupters (GFCI's), arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI's),immersion detection circuit interrupters (IDCI's), appliance leakagecircuit interrupters (ALCI's), equipment leakage circuit interrupters(ELCI's), circuit breakers, contactors, latching relays and solenoidmechanisms. More particularly, the present application is directed tocircuit interrupting devices that include a circuit interrupting portionthat can break electrically conductive paths between a line side and aload side of the devices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Many electrical wiring devices have a line side, which is connectable toan electrical power supply, and a load side, which is connectable to oneor more loads and at least one conductive path between the line and loadsides. Electrical connections to wires supplying electrical power orwires conducting electricity to the one or more loads are at line sideand load side connections. The electrical wiring device industry haswitnessed an increasing call for circuit breaking devices or systemswhich are designed to interrupt power to various loads, such ashousehold appliances, consumer electrical products and branch circuits.In particular, electrical codes require electrical circuits in homebathrooms and kitchens to be equipped with ground fault circuitinterrupters (GFCI), for example. A more detailed description of a GFCIdevice is provided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,894, which is incorporatedherein in its entirety by reference. Presently available GFCI devices,such as the device described in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,595,894(the '894 patent), use an electrically activated trip mechanism tomechanically break an electrical connection between the line side andthe load side. Such devices are resettable after they are tripped by,for example, the detection of a ground fault. In the device discussed inthe '894 patent, the trip mechanism used to cause the mechanicalbreaking of the circuit (i.e., the conductive path between the line andload sides) includes a solenoid (or trip coil). A test button is used totest the trip mechanism and circuitry used to sense faults, and a resetbutton is used to reset the electrical connection between line and loadsides.

However, instances may arise where an abnormal condition, caused by forexample a lightning strike, occurs which may result not only in a surgeof electricity at the device and a tripping of the device but also adisabling of the trip mechanism used to cause the mechanical breaking ofthe circuit. This may occur without the knowledge of the user. Undersuch circumstances an unknowing user, faced with a GFCI which hastripped, may press the reset button which, in turn, will cause thedevice with an inoperative trip mechanism to be reset without the groundfault protection available.

Further, an open neutral condition, which is defined in UnderwritersLaboratories (UL) Standard PAG 943A, may exist with the electrical wiressupplying electrical power to such GFCI devices. If an open neutralcondition exists with the neutral wire on the line (versus load) side ofthe GFCI device, an instance may arise where a current path is createdfrom the phase (or hot) wire supplying power to the GFCI device throughthe load side of the device and a person to ground. In the event that anopen neutral condition exists, current GFCI devices, which have tripped,may be reset even though the open neutral condition may remain.

Commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,040,967 having Ser. No. 09/138,955 with afiling date of Aug. 24, 1998, which is incorporated herein in itsentirety by reference, describes a family of resettable circuitinterrupting devices capable of locking out the reset portion of thedevice if the circuit interrupting portion is non-operational or if anopen neutral condition exists.

Some of the circuit interrupting devices described above have a useraccessible load side connection in addition to the line and load sideconnections. The user accessible load side connection includes one ormore connection points where a user can externally connect to theelectrical power supplied from the line side. The load side connectionand user accessible load side connection are typically electricallyconnected together. An example of such a circuit interrupting device isa GFCI receptacle, where the line and load side connections are bindingscrews and the user accessible load side connection is a typical two orthree hole receptacle used in power outlets for connection to electricaldevices typically using a three-prong or two-prong male plug. As noted,such devices are connected to external wiring so that line wires areconnected to the line side connection and load side wires are connectedto the load side connection. However, instances may occur where thecircuit interrupting device is improperly connected to the externalwires so that the load wires are connected to the line side connectionand the line wires are connected to the load connection. This is knownas reverse wiring. In the event the circuit interrupting device isreverse wired, fault protection to the user accessible load connectionmay be eliminated, even if fault protection to the load side connectionremains. Further, because fault protection is eliminated the useraccessible terminals (i.e., three hole or two hole receptacles) willhave electrical power making a user think that the device is operatingproperly when in fact it is not. Therefore, there exists a need todetect faults when the circuit interrupting device is reverse wired.Also, there exists a need to prevent a device from being reverse wired.Further, there exists a need to prevent the user accessible loadterminals from having electrical power when the circuit interruptingdevice is reverse wired or when the circuit interrupting device is notoperating properly.

SUMMARY

The present invention relates to a family of resettable circuitinterrupting devices that prevents electric power from being accessibleto users of such devices when these devices are reversed wired. Thedevices have a reset lockout mechanism that prevents them from beingreset when they are not operating properly. When the devices are notreset and if such devices are reverse wired no power is available to anyuser accessible receptacles and/or plugs located on the face of thedevices. Each of the devices of the present invention has at least onepair of line terminals, one pair of load terminals and one pair of faceterminals. The line terminals are capable of being electricallyconnected to a source of power. The load terminals are capable of beingelectrically connected to a load and are improperly connected toelectrical power when the device is reverse wired. The face terminalsare electrically connected to user accessible plugs and/or receptacleslocated on the face of a device for example. The line, load and faceterminals are electrically isolated from each other. The devices of thepresent invention are manufactured and shipped in a trip condition,i.e., no electrical connection between line terminals and load terminalsand no electrical connection between the load terminals and faceterminals. Thus, in the trip condition the at least three terminals areelectrically isolated from each other.

Each of the pairs of terminals has a phase terminals and a neutralterminal. A phase conducting path is created when the correspondingphase terminals are connected to each other. Similarly a neutralconducting path is created when the corresponding neutral terminals areconnected to each other. Preferably, the phase conductive path includesone or more switch devices that are capable of opening to causeelectrical discontinuity in the phase conductive path and capable ofclosing to reestablish the electrical continuity in the phase conductivepaths. Also, the neutral conductive path includes one or more switchdevices that are capable of opening to cause electrical discontinuity inthe neutral conductive path and capable of closing to reestablish theelectrical continuity in the neutral conductive paths.

The devices of the present invention each further has a pair of movablebridges which are electrically connected to the line terminals. Themovable bridges electrically connect the line terminals to the load andface terminals when the devices are reset thus bringing power to theface of the devices. The movable bridges are mechanically biased awayfrom the load and face terminals. When the devices are improperly wiredor reverse wired (i.e., power connected to load terminals), the resetlockout mechanism prevents the movable bridges from connecting the lineterminals to the load and face terminals even when an attempt is made toreset the device thus preventing electric power to be present at theface terminals or user accessible plugs and/or receptacles.

In one embodiment, the circuit interrupting device comprises a housingwithin which the line terminals, the movable bridges, the load terminalsand the face terminals are at least partially disposed. The circuitinterrupting device also comprises a circuit interrupting portion thatis disposed within the housing and configured to cause electricaldiscontinuity between the terminals upon the occurrence of apredetermined condition. The circuit interrupting device furthercomprises a trip portion, a reset portion and a sensing circuit.

One embodiment for the circuit interrupting device uses anelectromechanical circuit interrupting portion that causes electricaldiscontinuity between the line, load and face terminals. The resetlockout mechanism prevents the reestablishing of electrical continuitybetween the line, load and face terminals unless the circuitinterrupting portion is operating properly. That is, the reset lockoutprevents resetting of the device unless the circuit interrupting portionis operating properly. The reset portion allows the device to be resetcausing electrical continuity between the line terminals and the loadterminals and electrical continuity between the line terminals and theface terminals; i.e., device in set or reset mode. Also, there iselectrical continuity between the load terminals and the face terminalswhen the device is reset. Thus the reset portion establishes electricalcontinuity between the line, load and face terminals. Theelectromechanical circuit interrupting portion comprises a latch plateand lifter assembly, a coil and plunger assembly, a mechanical switchassembly, the movable bridges and the sensing circuit.

The reset portion comprises a reset pin connected to a reset button; thebutton and reset pin are mechanically biased and said reset pin has aflange (e.g., circular flange or disk) extending radially from an endportion of the reset pin for interference with the latch plate andlifter assembly when the reset button is depressed while the device isin the trip condition. The interfered latch plate and lifter assemblyengages the mechanical switch assembly which triggers the sensingcircuit. If the circuit interrupting portion is operating properly, thetriggered sensing circuit causes a coil assembly coupled to the sensingcircuitry to be energized. The energized coil assembly, which has amovable plunger located therein, causes the movable plunger to engagethe latch plate allowing the end portion of the reset pin and the flangeto go through momentarily aligned openings in the latch plate and lifterassembly. The openings then become misaligned trapping the flange andthe end portion of the reset pin underneath the lifter. The flange nowinterferes with the latch plate and lifter assembly from underneath thelifter. The biasing of the reset pin is such that the reset pin tends tomove away from the latch and lifter assembly when the button is releasedafter having been depressed. Upon release of the reset button, thebiasing of the reset pin in concert with its interfering flange allow itto lift the latch plate and lifter assembly. Thus, the lifter portion ofthe latch plate and lifter assembly engages with the movable bridgescausing the bridges to electrically connect the line, load and faceterminals to each other thus putting the device in a set or resetcondition. If the circuit interrupting portion is not operating properlythe plunger of the coil assembly does not engage the latch plate andlifter assembly thus preventing the circuit interrupting device frombeing reset.

The sensing circuit comprises various electrical and electroniccomponents for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined condition.The sensing circuitry is coupled to the electromechanical circuitinterrupting portion. Upon detection of a predetermined condition thesensing circuitry activates the electromechanical circuit interruptercausing the device to be in the trip condition.

The trip condition is obtained by activating the trip portion of thecircuit interrupting device. The trip portion of the circuitinterrupting device is disposed at least partially within the housingand is configured to cause electrical discontinuity in the phase and/orneutral conductive paths. The trip condition can also occur when thedevice detects a predetermined condition (e.g., ground fault) while inthe reset mode. In one embodiment, the trip portion comprises a testbutton connected to a trip pin having a cam or angled portion at its endwhich cam portion can engage the latch plate when the device has beenreset. The trip pin and the test button are mechanically biased suchthat the trip pin tends to move away from the latch and lifter assemblywhen the test button is released after having been depressed. The tripportion when activated (i.e., test button is depressed), while thedevice is in the reset mode, causes the cam portion of the trip pin toengage the latch plate momentarily aligning the lifter and latch plateopenings; this allows the end portion and flange of the reset pin to bereleased from underneath the lifter and thus no longer interfere withthe lifter and latch plate assembly. As a result the lifter and latchplate no longer lift the movable bridges and the biasing of the movablebridges causes them to move away from the load and face terminalsdisconnecting the line, load and face terminals from each other thusputting the device in the trip condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present application are described hereinwith reference to the drawings, in which similar elements are givensimilar reference characters, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ground fault circuitinterrupting device according to the present application;

FIG. 2 is top view of a portion of the GFCI device shown in FIG. 1, withthe face portion removed;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the face terminal internalframes, the load terminals and the movable bridges;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the arrangement of some of thecomponents of the circuit interrupting portion of the device of thepresent invention;

FIG. 5 is a side view of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the reset portion of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the lifter/latch assembly ofthe circuit interrupting device of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic of the sensing circuit;

FIGS. 9-14 show the sequence of operation when the device of the presentinvention is reset from a tripped state;

FIGS. 15-18 show the sequence of operation when the device of thepresent invention is tripped while in a reset state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application contemplates various types of circuitinterrupting devices that have at least one conductive path. Theconductive path is typically divided between a line side that connectsto electrical power, a load side that connects to one or more loads anda user side that connects to user accessible plugs or receptacles. Asnoted, the various devices in the family of resettable circuitinterrupting devices comprise: ground fault circuit interrupters(GFCI's), arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCI's), immersion detectioncircuit interrupters (IDCI's), appliance leakage circuit interrupters(ALCI's) and equipment leakage circuit interrupters (ELCI's).

For the purpose of the present application, the structure or mechanismsused in the circuit interrupting devices, shown in the drawings anddescribed hereinbelow, are incorporated into a GFCI device suitable forinstallation in a single-gang junction box used in, for example, aresidential electrical wiring system. However, the mechanisms accordingto the present application can be included in any of the various devicesin the family of resettable circuit interrupting devices. Further, moregenerally the circuit interrupting device of the present invention canbe implemented as any device having at least a first, second, and thirdelectrical conductor each of which is at least partially disposed in ahousing. The electrical conductors are electrically isolated from eachother with the first conductor capable of being connected to electricalpower, the second conductor capable of being connected to one or moreloads and the third conductor configured to be accessible to users. Atleast one movable bridge, one end of which is connected to the source ofpower and the first conductor, is able to connect the first, second andthird electrical conductors to each other and disconnect said conductorsfrom each other when a fault or predetermined condition is detected.

More specifically, however, the circuit interrupting devices describedherein have at least three pairs of electrically isolated terminals: atleast one pair of line terminals, at least one pair of load terminalsand at least one pair of user or face terminals. The at least one pairof line terminals permits electrical power (e.g., alternating current(AC)) to be connected to the device and the at least one pair of loadterminals permits external conductors or appliances to be connected tothe device. These connections may be, for example, electrical fasteningdevices that secure or connect external conductors to the circuitinterrupting device, as well as conduct electricity. Examples of suchconnections include binding screws, lugs, terminals and external plugconnections. The at least one face or user terminal, which typically isimplemented using two-prong or three-prong receptacles, allows users toelectrically connect electrical devices to the GFCI device typically viathe two-prong or three-prong male plugs that mate with the receptacles.

The above-described features can be incorporated in any resettablecircuit interrupting device, but for the sake of explanation thedescription to follow is directed to a GFCI device.

In one embodiment, the GFCI device has a circuit interrupting portion, areset portion and a reset lockout mechanism. The GFCI device also has amechanical trip portion. The GFCI device further has a pair of movablebridges that, when engaged, connect the line terminals to load and faceterminals. When the bridge is not engaged, the line, load and faceterminals are electrically isolated from each other. Because the faceterminals are electrically isolated from the load and line terminals,there will be no power at the face terminals even if the GFCI device isreverse wired (power connected to load terminals instead of lineterminals). When the movable bridge is not engaged and thus the line,load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each other, thedevice is said to be in a tripped condition.

The circuit interrupting and reset portions described herein preferablyuse electro-mechanical components to break (open) and make (close) oneor more conductive paths between the line and load terminals of thedevice and also between the line and face terminals. However, electricalcomponents, such as solid state switches and supporting circuitry, maybe used to open and close the conductive paths.

Generally, the circuit interrupting portion is used to automaticallybreak electrical continuity in one or more conductive paths (i.e., openthe conductive path) between the line and load terminals upon thedetection of a fault, which in the embodiment described is a groundfault. Electrical continuity is also broken between the line and faceterminals. The reset portion is used to close the open conductive paths.

In this configuration, the operation of the reset and reset lockoutportions is in conjunction with the operation of the circuitinterrupting portion, so that electrical continuity in open conductivepaths cannot be reset if the circuit interrupting portion isnon-operational, if an open neutral condition exists and/or if thedevice is reverse wired. When the circuit interrupting portion isnon-operational—meaning that any one or more of its components is notoperating properly—the device cannot be reset. The mechanical tripportion is able to break electrical continuity between the line, loadand face terminals independently of the operation of the circuitinterrupting portion. Thus, in the event the circuit interruptingportion is not operating properly, the device can still be tripped.

Turning now to FIG. 1, the GFCI device has a housing 12 to which a faceor cover portion 36 is removably secured. The face portion 36 has entryports 16, 18, 24 and 26 aligned with receptacles for receiving normal orpolarized prongs of a male plug of the type normally found at the end ofa household device electrical cord (not shown), as well asground-prong-receiving openings 17 and 25 to accommodate three-wireplugs. The GFCI device also includes a mounting strap 14 used to fastenthe device to a junction box.

A test button 22 extends through opening 23 in the face portion 36 ofthe housing 12. The test button is used to set the device 10 to a tripcondition. The circuit interrupting portion, to be described in moredetail below, is used to break electrical continuity in one or moreconductive paths between the line and load side of the device. A resetbutton 20 forming a part of the reset portion extends through opening 19in the face portion 36 of the housing 12. The reset button is used toactivate a reset operation, which reestablishes electrical continuity inthe open conductive paths.

Still referring to FIG. 1, electrical connections to existing householdelectrical wiring are made via binding screws 28 and 30 where, forexample, screw 30 is an input (or line) phase connection, and screw 28is an output (or load) phase connection. Screws 28 and 30 are fastened(via a threaded arrangement) to terminals 32 and 34 respectively.However, the GFCI device can be designed so that screw 30 can be anoutput phase connection and screw 28 an input phase or line connection.Terminals 32 and 34 are one half of terminal pairs. Thus, two additionalbinding screws and terminals (not shown) are located on the oppositeside of the device 10. These additional binding screws provide line andload neutral connections, respectively. It should also be noted that thebinding screws and terminals are exemplary of the types of wiringterminals that can be used to provide the electrical connections.Examples of other types of wiring terminals include set screws, pressureclamps, pressure plates, push-in type connections, pigtails and quick-connect tabs. The face terminals are implemented as receptaclesconfigured to mate with male plugs. A detailed depiction of the faceterminals is shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, a top view of the GFCI device (without face portion36 and strap 14) is shown. An internal housing structure 40 provides theplatform on which the components of the GFCI device are positioned.Reset button 20 and test button 22 are mounted on housing structure 40.Housing structure 40 is mounted on printed circuit board 38. Thereceptacle aligned to opening 16 of face portion 36 is made fromextensions 50A and 52A of frame 48. Frame 48 is made from an electricityconducting material from which the receptacles aligned with openings 16and 24 are formed. The receptacle aligned with opening 24 of faceportion 36 is constructed from extensions 50B and 52B of frame 48. Also,frame 48 has a flange the end of which has electricity conductingcontact 56 attached thereto. Frame 46 is an electricity conductingmaterial from which receptacles aligned with openings 18 and 26 areformed. The receptacle aligned with opening 18 of frame portion 36 isconstructed with frame extensions 42A and 44A. The receptacle alignedwith opening 26 of face portion 36 is constructed with extensions 42Band 44B. Frame 46 has a flange the end of which has electricityconducting contact 60 attached thereto. Therefore, frames 46 and 48 formthe face terminals implemented as receptacles aligned to openings 16,18, 24 and 26 of face portion 36 of GFCI 10 (see FIG. 1). Load terminal32 and line terminal 34 are also mounted on internal housing structure40. Load terminal 32 has an extension the end of which electricityconducting load contact 58 is attached. Similarly, load terminal 54 hasan extension to which electricity conducting contact 62 is attached. Theline, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each otherand are electrically connected to each other by a pair of movablebridges. The relationship between the line, load and face terminals andhow they are connected to each other is shown in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown the positioning of the face andload terminals with respect to each other and their interaction with themovable bridges (64, 66). Although the line terminals are not shown, itis understood that they are electrically connected to one end of themovable bridges. The movable bridges (64, 66) are generally electricalconductors that are configured and positioned to connect at least theline terminals to the load terminals. In particular movable bridge 66has bent portion 66B and connecting portion 66A. Bent portion 66B iselectrically connected to line terminal 34 (not shown). Similarly,movable bridge 64 has bent portion 64B and connecting portion 64A. Bentportion 64B is electrically connected to the other line terminal (notshown); the other line terminal being located on the side opposite thatof line terminal 34. Connecting portion 66A of movable bridge 66 has twofingers each having a bridge contact (68, 70) attached to its end.Connecting portion 64A of movable bridge 64 also has two fingers each ofwhich has a bridge contact (72, 74) attached to its end. The bridgecontacts (68, 70, 72 and 74) are made from relatively highly conductivematerial. Also, face terminal contacts 56 and 60 are made fromrelatively highly conductive material. Further, the load terminalcontacts 58 and 62 are made from relatively highly conductive material.The movable bridges are preferably made from flexible metal that can bebent when subjected to mechanical forces. The connecting portions (64A,66A) of the movable bridges are mechanically biased downward or in thegeneral direction shown by arrow 67. When the GFCI device is reset theconnecting portions of the movable bridges are caused to move in thedirection shown by arrow 65 and engage the load and face terminals thusconnecting the line, load and face terminals to each other. Inparticular connecting portion 66A of movable bridge 66 is bent upward(direction shown by arrow 65) to allow contacts 68 and 70 to engagecontacts 56 of frame 48 and contact 58 of load terminal 32 respectively.Similarly, connecting portion 64A of movable bridge 64 is bent upward(direction shown by arrow 65) to allow contacts 72 and 74 to engagecontact 62 of load terminal 54 and contact 60 of frame 46 respectively.The connecting portions of the movable bridges are bent upwards by alatch/lifter assembly positioned underneath the connecting portionswhere this assembly moves in an upward direction (direction shown byarrow 65) when the GFCI is reset as will be discussed herein below withrespect to FIG. 14. It should be noted that the contacts of a movablebridge engaging a contact of a load or face terminals occurs whenelectric current flows between the contacts; this is done by having thecontacts touch each other. Some of the components that cause theconnecting portions of the movable bridges to move upward are shown inFIG. 4.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown mounted on printed circuit board38 a coil plunger combination comprising bobbin 82 having a cavity inwhich elongated cylindrical plunger 80 is slidably disposed. For clarityof illustration frame 48 and load terminal 32 are not shown. One end ofplunger 80 is shown extending outside of the bobbin cavity. The otherend of plunger 80 (not shown) is coupled to or engages a spring thatprovides the proper force for pushing a portion of the plunger outsideof the bobbin cavity after the plunger has been pulled into the cavitydue to a resulting magnetic force when the coil is energized. Electricalwire (not shown) is wound around bobbin 82 to form the coil. For clarityof illustration the wire wound around bobbin 82 is not shown. A lifter78 and latch 84 assembly is shown where the lifter 78 is positionedunderneath the movable bridges. The movable bridges 66 and 64 aresecured with mounting brackets 86 (only one is shown) which is also usedto secure line terminal 34 and the other line terminal (not shown) tothe GFCI device. It is understood that the other mounting bracket 86used to secure movable bridge 64 is positioned directly opposite theshown mounting bracket. The reset button 20 has a reset pin 76 thatengages lifter 78 and latch 84 assembly as will be shown below.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a side view of FIG. 4. When thecoil is energized, plunger 80 is pulled into the coil in the directionshown by arrow 81. Connecting portion 66A of movable bridge 66 is shownbiased downward (in the direction shown by arrow 85). Although notshown, connecting portion of movable bridge 64 is similarly biased. Alsopart of a mechanical switch—test arm 90—is shown positioned under aportion of the lifter 78. It should be noted that because frame 48 isnot shown, face terminal contact 56 is also not shown.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown the positioning of the lifter78, latch 84 assembly relative to the bobbin 82, the reset button 20 andreset pin 76. Note that the reset pin has a lower portion 76A and a diskshape flange 76B. It should be noted that the flange 76 can be anyshape, the disk shape flange shown here is one particular embodiment ofthe type of flange that can be used. The lower portion 76A of the resetpin and flange 76B are positioned so as to extend through alignedopenings of the latch 84 and lifter 78. The mechanical switch assemblyis also shown positioned underneath a portion of the lifter 78. Themechanical switch assembly comprises test arm 90 and test pin 92 used tocause a trip condition to occur. The reset button 20 and reset pin 76are biased with a spring coil (not shown) in the upward direction(direction shown by arrow 94). Test arm 90 of the mechanical switch isalso biased upward. When the test arm 90 is pressed downward (directionshown by arrow 94A), it will tend to move upward (direction shown byarrow 94) to its original position when released. Similarly, when resetbutton 20 is depressed (in the direction shown by arrow 94A), it willreturn to its original position by moving in the direction shown byarrow 94. Latch plate 84 and lifter 78 assembly are mounted on top ofbobbin 82. Only a portion of lifter 78 is shown so as to illustrate howlifter 78 engages test arm 90 and how latch plate 84 engages lifter 78.The specific relationship between latch plate 84 and lifter 78 is shownin FIG. 7.

Referring now to FIG. 7, there is shown how the latch plate 84 isslidably and springingly mounted to lifter 78. Latch plate 84 has anopening 84B and another opening 84D within which spring coil 84A ispositioned. Latch plate stub 84C is use to receive one end of springcoil 84A and the other end of spring coil 84A engages with a detentportion of lifter 78. Latch plate 84 has a hook portion 84E used toengage test button 22 as will be discussed herein below with respect toFIG. 15. Although not part of the latch plate/lifter assembly, reset pin76, with lower portion 76A and flange 76B is designed to extend throughopening 78A of lifter 78 and opening 84B of latch plate 84 when the twoopenings are aligned to each other. The two openings become aligned witheach other when the plunger 80 of the coil plunger assembly engageslatch plate 84 as will be discussed herein. The plunger is caused to bepulled into the cavity of the bobbin 82 when the coil is energized by asensing circuit when the circuit detects a fault or a predeterminedcondition. In the embodiment being discussed, the predeterminedcondition detected is a ground fault. The predetermined condition can beany type of fault such as an arc fault, equipment fault, applianceleakage fault or an immersion detection fault. Generally a fault is anindication that the circuit interrupting device has detected a dangerouscondition and has or intends to disconnect power from any loadsconnected to the device via the load terminals and/or the faceterminals. The sensing circuit is shown in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 8, there is shown a sensing circuit comprising adifferential transformer, a Ground/Neutral (G/N) transformer, anintegrated circuit (IC-1) for detecting current and outputting a voltageonce it detects a current, a full wave bridge rectifier (D3, D4, D5, andD6), a surge suppressor (MV1) for absorbing extreme electrical energylevels that may be present at the line terminals, various filteringcoupling capacitors (C1-C9), a gated semiconductor device (Q1), a relaycoil assembly (K1), various current limiting resistors (R1-R4) and avoltage limiting zener diode (D2). The mechanical switch—comprising testarm 90 and test pin 92—is shown connected to the conductors of the lineterminals in series with current limiting resistor R4. The movablebridges are shown as switches that connect the line terminals to theface and load terminals. The line, load and face terminals areelectrically isolated from each other unless connected by the movablebridges. When a predetermined condition—such as a ground fault—occurs,there is a difference in current amplitude between the two lineterminals. This current difference is manifested as a net current whichis detected by the differential transformer and is provided to IC-1.Integrated circuit IC-1 can be any one of integrated circuits typicallyused in ground fault circuits (e.g., LM-1851) manufactured NationalSemiconductor or other well known semiconductor manufacturers. Inresponse to the current provided by the differential transformer,integrated circuit IC-1 generates a voltage on pin 1 which is connectedto the gate of Q1. A full wave bridge comprising diodes D3-D6 has a DCside which is connected to the anode of Q1. Q1 is turned on shorting theDC side of the full wave bridge activating relay K1 causing the movablebridges to remove power from the face and load terminals. The relay K1is implemented with the bobbin 82, coil (not shown) and plunger 80components. Note diode D1 performs a rectification function retainingthe supply voltage to IC-1 when Q1 is turned on. The relay K1 can alsobe activated when mechanical switch 90 is closed which causes a currentimbalance on the line terminal conductors that is detected by thedifferential transformer. The G/N transformer detects a remote groundvoltage that may be present on one of the load terminal conductors andprovides a current to IC-1 upon detection of this remote ground whichagain activates relay K1.

The sensing circuit engages a circuit interrupting portion of the GFCIdevice causing the device to be tripped. Also, the sensing circuitallows the GFCI device to be reset after it has been tripped if thereset lockout has not been activated as discussed herein below. In thetripped condition the line terminals, load terminals and face terminalsare electrically isolated from each other. Thus, even if the device isreverse wired, there will be no power at the face terminals. A GFCImanufactured in accordance to present invention is shipped in thetripped condition. The circuit interrupting portion comprises the coiland plunger (80) assembly, the latch plate (84) and lifter (78)assembly, and the mechanical switch assembly (90, 92).

Referring to FIGS. 9-14, there is shown a sequence of how the GFCI isreset from a tripped condition. When the GFCI device is in a trippedcondition, the line, load and face terminals are electrically isolatedfrom each other because the movable bridges are not engaged to any ofthe terminals. Referring to FIG. 9 there is shown the positioning of thereset button 20, reset pin 76, reset pin lower portion 76A and disk 76Bwhen the device is in the tripped condition. In the tripped condition,the lifter 78 positioned below the movable bridges (not shown) does notengage the movable bridges. Reset button 20 is in its fully up position.Latch 84 and lifter 78 are such that the openings of the latch 84 andthe lifter 78 are misaligned not allowing disk 76B to go through theopenings. Also a portion of lifter 78 is positioned directly above testarm 90 but does not engage test arm 90.

In FIG. 10, to initiate the resetting of the GFCI device, reset button20 is depressed (in the direction shown by 94A) causing flange 76B tointerfere with latch plate 84 as shown which causes lifter 78 to pressdown on test arm 90 of the mechanical switch. As a result, test arm 90makes contact with test pin 92 (see FIG. 6).

In FIG. 11, when test arm 90 makes contact with test pin 92, the sensingcircuit is triggered as explained above, energizing the coil causingplunger 80 to be momentarily pulled into the bobbin 82 engaging latchplate 84 and more specifically pushing momentarily latch plate 84 in thedirection shown by arrow 81.

In FIG. 12, the latch plate, when pushed by plunger 80, slides alonglifter 78 (in the direction shown by arrow 81) so as to align itsopening with the lifter opening allowing flange 76B and part of lowerreset pin portion 76A to extend through the openings 84B, 78A (see FIG.7).

In FIG. 13, the latch plate then recoils back (in the direction shown byarrow 81A) and upon release of the reset button, test arm 90 alsosprings back disengaging from test pin 92. In FIG. 14, the recoiling ofthe latch plate 84 causes the opening 84B to once again be misalignedwith opening 74A thus trapping flange 76B underneath the lifter 78 andlatch assembly. When reset button is released the biasing of the resetpin 76 in concert with the trapped flange 76B raise the lifter and latchassembly causing the lifter (located underneath the movable bridges) toengage the movable bridges 66, 64. In particular, the connectingportions (66A, 64A) of the movable bridges 66 and 64 respectively arebent in the direction shown by arrow 65 (see FIG. 3 and correspondingdiscussion supra) resulting in the line terminals, load terminals andface terminals being electrically connected to each other. The GFCI isnow in the reset mode meaning that the electrical contacts of the line,load and face terminals are all electrically connected to each otherallowing power from the line terminal to be provided to the load andface terminals. The GFCI will remain in the reset mode until the sensingcircuit detects a fault or the GFCI is tripped purposely by depressingthe test button 22.

When the sensing circuit detects a condition such as a ground fault fora GFCI or other conditions (e.g., arc fault, immersion detection fault,appliance leakage fault, equipment leakage fault), the sensing circuitenergizes the coil causing the plunger 80 to engage the latch 84resulting in the latch opening 84B being aligned with the lifter opening78A allowing the lower portion of the reset pin 76A and the disk 76B toescape from underneath the lifter causing the lifter to disengage fromthe movable bridges 64, 66 which, due to their biasing, move away fromthe face terminals contacts and load terminal contacts. As a result, theline, load and face terminals are electrically isolated from each otherand thus the GFCI device is in a tripped state or condition (see FIG.9).

The GFCI device of the present invention can also enter the trippedstate by pressing the test button 22. In FIGS. 15-18, there isillustrated a sequence of operation showing how the device can betripped using the test button 22. In FIG. 15, while the device is in thereset mode, test button 22 is depressed. Test button 22 has test buttonpin portion 22A and cam end portion 22B connected thereto and ismechanically biased upward in the direction shown by arrow 94. The camend portion 22B is preferably conically shaped so that when it engageswith the hooked end 84E of latch plate 84 a cam action occurs due to theangle of the end portion of the test button pin 22A.

In FIG. 16, the cam action is the movement of latch plate 84 in thedirection shown by arrow 81 as test button 22 is pushed down (directionshown by arrow 94A) causing latch plate opening 84B to be aligned withlifter opening 78A.

In FIG. 17, the alignment of the openings (78A, 84B) allows the lowerportion of the reset pin 76A and the disk 76B to escape from underneaththe lifter causing the lifter to disengage from the movable bridges 64,66 which, due to their biasing, move away from the face terminalscontacts and load terminal contacts (see FIG. 3). The test button 20 isnow in a fully up position. As a result, the line, load and faceterminals are electrically isolated from each other and thus the GFCIdevice is in a tripped state or condition (see FIG. 9). In FIG. 18, thetest button 22 is released allowing its bias to move it upward(direction shown by arrow 94) and disengage from the hook portion 84E oflatch plate 84. The latch plate recoils in the direction shown by arrow81A thus causing the opening in the latch plate 84 to be misaligned withthe opening of the lifter 78. The device is now in the tripped position.It should be noted that once the device of the present invention is in atripped position, depressing the test button will not perform anyfunction because at this point the latch 84 cannot be engaged by theangled end of the test button 22. The test button 22 will perform thetrip function after the device has been reset.

The GFCI device of the present invention once in the tripped positionwill not be allowed to be reset (by pushing the reset button) if thecircuit interrupting portion is non-operational; that is if any one ormore of the components of the circuit interrupting portion is notoperating properly, the device cannot be reset. Further, if the sensingcircuit is not operating properly, the device can not be reset. Thereset lockout mechanism of the present invention can be implemented inan affirmative manner where one or more components specifically designedfor a reset lockout function are arranged so as to prevent the devicefrom being reset if the circuit interrupting portion or if the sensingcircuit are not operating properly. The reset lockout mechanism can alsobe implemented in a passive manner where the device will not enter thereset mode if any one or more of the components of the sensing circuitor if any one or more of the components of the circuit interruptingportion is not operating properly; this passive reset lockout approachis implemented in the present invention. For example, if anyone of thefollowing components is not operating properly or has amalfunction—i.e., the coil/plunger assembly (82,80) or the latchplate/lifter assembly (84,78) or the reset button/reset pin (22,76) thedevice cannot be reset. Further if the test arm (90) or test pin (92) isnot operating properly, the device cannot be reset.

It should be noted that the circuit interrupting device of the presentinvention has a trip portion that operates independently of the circuitinterrupting portion so that in the event the circuit interruptingportion becomes non-operational the device can still be tripped.Preferably, the trip portion is manually activated as discussed above(by pushing test button 22) and uses mechanical components to break oneor more conductive paths. However, the trip portion may use electricalcircuitry and/or electromechanical components to break either the phaseor neutral conductive path or both paths.

Although the components used during circuit interrupting and devicereset operations are electromechanical in nature, the presentapplication also contemplates using electrical components, such as solidstate switches and supporting circuitry, as well as other types ofcomponents capable or making and breaking electrical continuity in theconductive path.

It should also be noted that the circuit interrupting device of thepresent invention can be part of a system comprising one or morecircuits routed through a house, for example, or through any other wellknown structure. Thus, the system of the present invention is configuredwith electricity conducting media (e.g., electrical wire for carryingelectrical current) that form at least one circuit comprising at leastone circuit interrupting device of the present invention, electricaldevices, electrical systems and/or components; that is, electricalcomponents, electrical devices and or systems can be interconnected withelectrical wiring forming a circuit which also includes the circuitinterrupting device of the present invention. The formed circuit is thesystem of the present invention to which electrical power is provided.The system of the present invention can thus protect its components,systems, or electrical devices by disconnecting them from power if thecircuit interrupting device has detected a fault (or predeterminedcondition) from any one of them. In one embodiment, the circuitinterrupting device used in the system can be a GFCI.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out thefundamental features of the invention, it will be understood thatvarious omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and detailsof the device described and illustrated and in its operation may be madeby those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of theinvention.

1. A circuit interrupting device comprising: a first pair of electricalconductors including a phase and neutral, the first pair of electricalconductors adapted to electrically connect to a source of electriccurrent; a second pair of electrical conductors including a phase andneutral; a third pair of electrical conductors including a phase andneutral, wherein the first, second, and third pairs of electricalconductors are electrically isolated from each other and positioned toelectrically connect to at least one user accessible receptacle; alifter having a first opening defined therein and configured to movebetween a first position which provides electrical continuity betweenthe first pair of electrical conductors and at least one of the secondand third pairs of electrical conductors and a second position whichbreaks electrical continuity between at least two of the electricalpairs of electrical conductors; a circuit interrupter configured tomovably engage a latch having a second opening defined therein andpositioned to substantially align with the first opening of the lifterto move the lifter from the first position to the second position uponthe occurrence of an electrical abnormality; and a reset arm configuredto movably reorient the lifter to the first position when the latch isdisengaged by the circuit interrupter to reestablish electricalcontinuity between the pairs of electrical conductors after resolutionof the electrical abnormality.
 2. The circuit interrupting device ofclaim 1, wherein the reset arm comprises a reset pin having a proximalend and a distal end, the reset pin having a reset button disposed onthe proximal end thereof and a flange extending from and integral withthe distal end thereof, the reset pin and flange being positioned toextend through the first and second openings when the latch is engagedby the circuit interrupter thereby aligning the first and secondopenings.
 3. The circuit interrupting device of claim 2, wherein theflange biases the lifter into the first position to reestablishelectrical continuity between the pairs of electrical conductors whenthe latch is disengaged by the circuit interrupter thereby misaligningthe first and second openings.
 4. The circuit interrupting device ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one movable bridge electricallyconnected to the first pair of electrical conductors, the at least onemovable bridge being positioned for operative engagement with the lifterfor movement between a first position which provides electricalcontinuity between the first pair of electrical conductors and at leastone of the second and third pairs of electrical conductors and a secondposition which interrupts electrical continuity between at least two ofthe pairs of electrical conductors.
 5. The circuit interrupting deviceof claim 4, wherein the at least one movable bridge comprises a firstfinger and a second finger, wherein the first finger is movable toelectrically engage the second pair of electrical conductors and thesecond finger is movable to electrically engage the third pair ofelectrical conductors.
 6. The circuit interrupting device of claim 4,wherein the at least one movable bridge comprises: a first pair ofcontacts electrically connected to the first pair of electricalconductors and configured to electrically engage a corresponding pair ofload contacts electrically connected to the second pair of electricalconductors; and a second pair of contacts electrically connected to thefirst pair of electrical conductors and configured to electricallyengage a corresponding pair of user accessible contacts electricallyconnected to the third pair of electrical conductors.
 7. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 1, further comprising a reset lockout whichprevents reestablishment of electrical continuity between the first pairof electrical conductors and at least one of the second and third pairsof electrical conductors if the electrical abnormality remainsunresolved.
 8. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1, furthercomprising a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the circuitinterrupter and configured to detect the occurrence of the electricalabnormality.
 9. The circuit interrupting device of claim 8, wherein thecircuit interrupter comprises a coil and a plunger configured foroperative engagement with the latch.
 10. The circuit interrupting deviceof claim 9, further comprising a reset lockout which preventsreestablishment of electrical continuity between the first pair ofelectrical conductors and at least one of the second and thirdelectrical pairs of conductors if at least one of the sensing circuitand circuit interrupter is inoperative.
 11. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 1, wherein the electrical abnormality is at least one ofa ground fault, an arc fault, an appliance leakage fault, an equipmentleakage fault, an immersion detection fault, a reverse wiring condition,and an open neutral condition.
 12. The circuit interrupting device ofclaim 1, further comprising a tripping test arm configured to move froma first position to a second position to cause electrical discontinuitybetween the first pair of electrical conductors and at least one of thesecond and third pairs of electrical conductors.
 13. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 1, wherein the at least one user accessiblereceptacle is dimensioned to selectively receive an AC plug.
 14. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 1, wherein the device is one of aGFCI, an AFCI, an IDCI, an ALCI, and an ELCI.
 15. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 1, wherein the first pair of electricalconductors is a pair of metallic conductors having binding screwsattached thereto.
 16. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1,wherein the second pair of electrical conductors is a pair of metallicconductors having binding screws attached thereto.
 17. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 1, wherein the source of electric currentis an AC electric current source.
 18. A circuit interrupting devicecomprising: a first pair of terminals that include a phase and neutral,the first pair of terminals adapted to electrically connect to a sourceof electric current; a second pair of terminals that include a phase andneutral; a third pair of terminals that include a phase and neutral,wherein the first, second, and third pairs of terminals are electricallyisolated from each other and positioned to electrically connect to atleast one user accessible receptacle; at least one lifter having a firstopening and configured to move between a first position which provideselectrical continuity between the first pair of terminals and at leastone of the second and third pairs of terminals and a second positionwhich breaks electrical continuity between at least two of the pairs ofterminals; a circuit interrupter configured to movably engage a latchhaving a second opening defined therein and positioned to substantiallyalign with the first opening of the at least one lifter to move the atleast one lifter from the first position to the second position upon theoccurrence of an electrical abnormality; and a reset arm configured tomovably reorient the at least one lifter to the first position when thelatch is disengaged by the circuit interrupter to reestablish electricalcontinuity amongst the pairs of terminals after resolution of thepredetermined electrical condition.
 19. The circuit interrupting deviceof claim 18, wherein the reset arm comprises a reset pin having aproximal end and a distal end, the reset pin having a reset buttondisposed on the proximal end thereof and a flange extending from andintegral with the distal end thereof, the reset pin and flange beingpositioned to extend through the first and second openings when thelatch is engaged by the circuit interrupter thereby aligning the firstand second openings.
 20. The circuit interrupting device of claim 19,wherein the flange biases the at least one lifter into the firstposition to reestablish electrical continuity amongst the pairs ofterminals when the latch is disengaged by the circuit interrupterthereby misaligning the first and second openings.
 21. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 18, further comprising at least one movablebridge electrically connected to the first pair of terminals, the atleast one movable bridge being positioned for operative engagement withthe at least one lifter for movement between a first position whichprovides electrical continuity between the first pair of terminals andat least one of the second and third pairs of terminals and a secondposition which interrupts electrical continuity between at least two ofthe pairs of terminals.
 22. The circuit interrupting device of claim 21,wherein the at least one movable bridge comprises a first finger and asecond finger, wherein the first finger is movable to electricallyengage the second pair of terminals and the second finger is movable toelectrically engage the third pair of terminals.
 23. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 21, wherein the at least one movable bridgecomprises: a first contact electrically connected to the first pair ofterminals and configured to electrically engage a corresponding loadcontact electrically connected to the second pair of terminals; and asecond contact electrically connected to the first pair of terminals andconfigured to electrically engage a corresponding user accessiblecontact electrically connected to the third pair of terminals.
 24. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 18, further comprising a resetlockout which prevents reestablishment of electrical continuity betweenthe first pair of terminals and at least one of the second and thirdpairs of terminals if the electrical abnormality remains unresolved. 25.The circuit interrupting device of claim 18, further comprising asensing circuit operatively coupled to the circuit interrupter andconfigured to detect the occurrence of the electrical abnormality. 26.The circuit interrupting device of claim 25, wherein the circuitinterrupter comprises a coil and a plunger configured for operativeengagement with the latch.
 27. The circuit interrupting device of claim26, further comprising a reset lockout which prevents reestablishment ofelectrical continuity between the first pair of terminals and at leastone of the second and third pairs of terminals if at least one of thesensing circuit and the circuit interrupter is inoperative.
 28. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 18, wherein the electricalabnormality is at least one of a ground fault, an arc fault, anappliance leakage fault, an equipment leakage fault, an immersiondetection fault, a reverse wiring condition, and an open neutralcondition.
 29. The circuit interrupting device of claim 18, furthercomprising a tripping test arm configured to move from a first positionto a second position to cause electrical discontinuity between the firstpair of terminals and at least one of the second and third pairs ofterminals.
 30. The circuit interrupting device of claim 18, wherein thefirst pair of terminals comprises a pair of contacts connected toelectrical conductors.
 31. The circuit interrupting device of claim 18,wherein the second pair of terminals comprises a pair of contactsconnected to electrical conductors.
 32. The circuit interrupting deviceof claim 18, wherein the third pair of terminals comprises a pair ofcontacts connected to a conducting frame forming at least onereceptacle, the at least one receptacle being accessible to a user ofthe device.
 33. The circuit interrupting device of claim 18, wherein thesource of electric current is an AC electric current source.
 34. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 18, wherein the device is one of aGFCI, an AFCI, an IDCI, an ALCI, and an ELCI.
 35. A circuit interruptingdevice comprising: a housing having at least one user accessiblereceptacle defined therein; a pair of line terminals that include aphase and neutral, the pair of line terminals disposed at leastpartially within the housing and adapted to electrically connect to asource of electric current; a pair of load terminals that include aphase and neutral, the pair of load terminals disposed at leastpartially within the housing; a pair of face terminals that include aphase and neutral, wherein the line, load, and face terminals areelectrically isolated from each other and positioned to electricallyconnect to the at least one user accessible receptacle; at least onelifter having a first opening defined therein and configured to movebetween a first position which provides electrical continuity betweenthe line terminals and at least one of the load terminals and the faceterminals and a second position which breaks electrical continuitybetween the line terminals and at least one of the load terminals andthe face terminals; a circuit interrupter configured to movably engage alatch having a second opening defined therein and positioned tosubstantially align with the first opening of the at least one lifter tomove the at least one lifter from the first position to the secondposition upon the occurrence of an electrical abnormality; and a resetarm configured to movably reorient the at least one lifter to the firstposition when the latch is disengaged by the circuit interrupter toreestablish electrical continuity amongst the pairs of terminals afterresolution of the electrical abnormality.
 36. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 35, wherein the reset arm comprises a reset pin having aproximal end and a distal end, the reset pin having a reset buttondisposed on the proximal end thereof and a flange extending from andintegral with the distal end thereof, the reset pin and flange beingpositioned to extend through the first and second openings when thelatch is engaged by the circuit interrupter thereby aligning the firstand second openings and wherein the flange biases the at least onelifter into the first position to reestablish electrical continuityamongst the pairs of terminals when the latch is disengaged by thecircuit interrupter thereby misaligning the first and second openings.37. The circuit interrupting device of claim 35, further comprising atleast one movable bridge electrically connected to the pair of lineterminals, the at least one movable bridge being positioned foroperative engagement with the at least one lifter for movement between afirst position which provides electrical continuity between the pair ofline terminals and at least one of the second and third pairs ofterminals and a second position which interrupts electrical continuitybetween at least two of the pairs of terminals.
 38. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 37, wherein the at least one movable bridgecomprises a first finger and a second finger, wherein the first fingeris movable to electrically engage the pair of load terminals and thesecond finger is movable to electrically engage the pair of faceterminals.
 39. The circuit interrupting device of claim 37, wherein theat least one movable bridge comprises: a first pair of contactselectrically connected to the pair of line terminals and configured toelectrically engage a corresponding pair of load contacts electricallyconnected to the pair of load terminals; and a second pair of contactselectrically connected to the pair of line terminals and configured toelectrically engage a corresponding pair of user accessible contactselectrically connected to the pair of face terminals.
 40. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 35, wherein the circuit interrupting deviceis one of a GFCI, an AFCI, an IDCI, an ALCI, and an ELCI.
 41. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 35, further comprising a sensingcircuit operatively coupled to the circuit interrupter and configured todetect the occurrence of the electrical abnormality.
 42. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 41, wherein the circuit interruptercomprises a coil and a plunger configured for operative engagement withthe latch.
 43. The circuit interrupting device of claim 42, furthercomprising a reset lockout which prevents reestablishment of electricalcontinuity between the pair of line terminals and at least one of thepair of load terminals and the pair of face terminals if at least one ofthe sensing circuit and the circuit interrupter is inoperative.
 44. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 35, wherein the pair of lineterminals are metallic conductors having binding screws attachedthereto, wherein the binding screws are at least partially disposedoutside of the housing.
 45. The circuit interrupting device of claim 35,wherein the pair of load terminals are metallic conductors havingbinding screws attached thereto, wherein the binding screws are at leastpartially disposed outside of the housing.
 46. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 35, wherein the at least one user accessible receptacleis dimensioned to selectively receive an AC plug.
 47. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 35, wherein the source of electric currentis an AC electric current source.
 48. A circuit interrupting devicecomprising: at least one lifter having a first opening defined thereinand configured to move a first pair of electrical conductors including aphase and neutral in a first direction for contacting at least one of asecond and third pair of electrical conductors for permitting electricalcontinuity between the first pair of electrical conductors and at leastone of the second and third pairs of electrical conductors and in asecond direction for breaking electrical continuity between at least twoof the pairs of electrical conductors, wherein the first, second, andthird pairs of electrical conductors are electrically isolated from eachother; a circuit interrupter configured to movably engage a latch havinga second opening defined therein and positioned to substantially alignwith the first opening of the at least one lifter to move the at leastone lifter in the second direction upon the occurrence of an electricalabnormality; and at least one movable bridge comprising a first fingerand a second finger, wherein the first finger is movable to electricallyengage the second pair of electrical conductors and the second finger ismovable to electrically engage the third pair of electrical conductors.49. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48, further comprising areset arm configured to movably redirect the at least one lifter in thefirst direction to reestablish electrical continuity amongst the pairsof electrical conductors after resolution of the electrical abnormality.50. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48, wherein the reset armcomprises a reset pin having a proximal end and a distal end, the resetpin having a reset button disposed on the proximal end thereof and aflange extending from and integral with the distal end thereof, thereset pin and flange being positioned to extend through the first andsecond openings when the latch is engaged by the circuit interrupterthereby aligning the first and second openings.
 51. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 50, wherein the flange biases the at leastone lifter in the first direction to reestablish electrical continuityamongst the pairs of electrical conductors when the latch is disengagedby the circuit interrupter thereby misaligning the first and secondopenings.
 52. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48, wherein theat least one movable bridge is electrically connected to the first pairof electrical conductors, the at least one movable bridge beingpositioned for operative engagement with the at least one lifter formovement in a first direction which provides electrical continuitybetween the first pair of electrical conductors and at least one of thesecond and third pairs of electrical conductors and a second directionwhich interrupts electrical continuity between at least two of theelectrical conductors.
 53. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48,wherein the at least one movable bridge comprises: a first pair ofcontacts electrically connected to the first pair of electricalconductors and configured to electrically engage a corresponding pair ofload contacts electrically connected to the second pair of electricalconductors; and a second pair of contacts electrically connected to thefirst pair of electrical conductors and configured to electricallyengage a corresponding pair of user accessible contacts electricallyconnected to the third pair of electrical conductors.
 54. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 48, wherein the first pair of electricalconductors is adapted to electrically connect to a source of electriccurrent, the second pair of electrical conductors is positioned toelectrically connect to the first pair of electrical conductors to carrya load, and the third pair of electrical conductors is positioned toelectrically connect to at least one user accessible receptacle.
 55. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 54, wherein the at least one useraccessible receptacle is dimensioned to selectively receive an AC plug.56. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48, wherein the first,second, and third pairs of electrical conductors are electricallyisolated from each other.
 57. The circuit interrupting device of claim48, wherein the device is one of a GFCI, an AFCI, an IDCI, an ALCI, andan ELCI.
 58. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48, furthercomprising a reset lockout which prevents reestablishment of electricalcontinuity between the first pair of electrical conductors and at leastone of the second and third pairs of electrical conductors if theelectrical abnormality remains unresolved.
 59. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 48, wherein the electrical abnormality is at least oneof a ground fault, an arc fault, an appliance leakage fault, anequipment leakage fault, an immersion detection fault, a reverse wiringcondition, and an open neutral condition.
 60. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 48, further comprising a tripping test arm configured tomanually cause electrical discontinuity between the first pair ofelectrical conductors and at least one of the second and third pairs ofelectrical conductors.
 61. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48,further comprising a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the circuitinterrupter and configured to detect the occurrence of the electricalabnormality.
 62. The circuit interrupting device of claim 48, whereinthe circuit interrupter comprises a coil and a plunger configured foroperative engagement with the latch.
 63. The circuit interrupting deviceof claim 48, wherein the first pair of electrical conductors is a pairof line terminals, the second pair of electrical conductors is a pair ofload terminals, and the third pair of electrical conductors is a pair offace terminals.
 64. The circuit interrupting device of claim 54, whereinthe source of electric current is an AC electric current source.
 65. Acircuit interrupting device comprising: a housing; a pair of lineterminals that include a phase and neutral, the pair of line terminalsdisposed at least partially within the housing and adapted toelectrically connect to a source of electric current; a pair of loadterminals that include a phase and neutral, the load terminals disposedat least partially within the housing and configured to conduct theelectric current to a load when electrically connected to the pair ofline terminals; a pair of face terminals that include a chase andneutral, the face terminals adapted to electrically connect to at leastone user accessible receptacle, wherein each of the face terminalsextends from and is integrally formed with a metallic structure disposedat least partially within the housing, wherein the line, load, and faceterminal pairs are electrically isolated from each other; at least onelifter configured to move between a first position which provideselectrical continuity between the pair of line terminals and at leastone of the pair of load terminals and the pair of face terminals and asecond position which breaks electrical continuity between at least twoof the pairs of terminals, a circuit interrupter comprising at least onecoil and a movable plunger, and a mechanical switch, the mechanicalswitch being configured to engage a sensing circuit operatively coupledto the circuit interrupter, wherein the sensing circuit is configured todetect an electrical abnormality, the movable plunger being configuredto engage a latch operatively coupled to the at least one lifter to movethe at least one lifter from the first position to the second positionupon the occurrence of the electrical abnormality; and a reset armcomprising a reset button positioned to movably engage the sensingcircuit to activate the coil and movable plunger resulting in thereorientation of the least one lifter to the first position toreestablish electrical continuity amongst the pairs of terminals afterresolution of the electrical abnormality.
 66. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 65, further comprising at least one movable bridgeelectrically connected to the pair of line terminals, the at least onemovable bridge being positioned for operative engagement with the atleast one lifter for movement between a first position which provideselectrical continuity between the pair of line terminals and at leastone of the pair of load and face terminals and a second position whichinterrupts electrical continuity between at least two of the pairs ofterminals.
 67. The circuit interrupting device of claim 66, wherein theat least one movable bridge further comprises a pair of bridge loadcontacts and a pair of bridge face contacts disposed thereon, whereinthe pair of bridge load contacts is positionable to electrically engagea corresponding pair of load terminal contacts and the bridge facecontacts are positionable to electrically engage a corresponding pair offace terminal contacts.
 68. The circuit interrupting device of claim 65,wherein the device is one of a GFCI, an AFCI, an IDCI, an ALCI, and anELCI.
 69. The circuit interrupting device of claim 65, wherein the atleast one user accessible receptacle is dimensioned to selectivelyreceive an AC plug.
 70. The circuit interrupting device of claim 65,wherein the pair of line terminals are metallic conductors havingbinding screws attached thereto, wherein the binding screws are at leastpartially disposed outside of the housing.
 71. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 65, wherein the pair of load terminals are metallicconductors having binding screws attached thereto, wherein the bindingscrews are at least partially disposed outside of the housing.
 72. Thecircuit interrupting device of claim 65, wherein the source of electriccurrent is an AC electric current source.
 73. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 65, further comprising a reset lockout which preventsreestablishment of electrical continuity between the pair of lineterminals and at least one of the pair of load terminals and the pair offace terminals if at least one of the sensing circuit and circuitinterrupter is inoperative.
 74. A circuit interrupting devicecomprising: a first pair of electrical conductors that include a phaseand a neutral, the first pair of electrical conductors adapted toelectrically connect to a source of electric current; a second pair ofelectrical conductors that include a phase and a neutral; a third pairof electrical conductors that include a phase and a neutral, wherein thefirst, second, and third pairs of electrical conductors are electricallyisolated from each other and positioned to electrically connect to atleast one user accessible receptacle; a lifter having a first openingdefined therein and configured to operate in a first mode which provideselectrical continuity between the first pair of electrical conductorsand at least one of the second and third pairs of electrical conductorsand a second mode which breaks electrical continuity between at leasttwo of the pairs of electrical conductors; a circuit interrupterconfigured to movably engage a latch having a second opening definedtherein and positioned to substantially align with the first opening ofthe lifter to reconfigure the lifter from the first mode to the secondmode upon the occurrence of an electrical abnormality; and a reset armconfigured to movably reconfigure the lifter to the first mode when thelatch is disengaged by the circuit interrupter to reestablish electricalcontinuity amongst the pairs of electrical conductors after resolutionof the electrical abnormality.
 75. The circuit interrupting device ofclaim 74, wherein the reset arm comprises a reset pin having a proximalend and a distal end, the reset pin having a reset button disposed onthe proximal end thereof and a flange extending from and integral withthe distal end thereof, the reset pin and flange being positioned toextend through the first and second openings when the latch is engagedby the circuit interrupter thereby aligning the first and secondopenings.
 76. The circuit interrupting device of claim 75, wherein theflange configures the lifter to operate in the first mode to reestablishelectrical continuity between the pairs of electrical conductors whenthe latch is disengaged by the circuit interrupter thereby misaligningthe first and second openings.
 77. The circuit interrupting device ofclaim 74, further comprising at least one movable bridge electricallyconnected to the first pair of electrical conductors, the at least onemovable bridge being positioned for operative engagement with the lifterfor movement between a first position which configures the lifter tooperate in the first mode and a second position which configures thelifter to operate in the second mode.
 78. The circuit interruptingdevice of claim 77, wherein the at least one movable bridge comprises afirst finger and a second finger, wherein the first finger is movable toelectrically engage the second pair of electrical conductors and thesecond finger is movable to electrically engage the third pair ofelectrical conductors.
 79. The circuit interrupting device of claim 77,wherein the at least one movable bridge comprises: a first pair ofcontacts electrically connected to the first pair of electricalconductors and configured to electrically engage a corresponding pair ofload contacts electrically connected to the second pair of electricalconductors; and a second pair of contacts electrically connected to thefirst pair of electrical conductors and configured to electricallyengage a corresponding pair of user accessible contacts electricallyconnected to the third pair of electrical conductors.
 80. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 74, wherein the device is one of a GFCI, anAFCI, an IDCI, an ALCI, and an ELCI.
 81. The circuit interrupting deviceof claim 74, further comprising a sensing circuit operatively coupled tothe circuit interrupter and configured to detect the occurrence of theelectrical abnormality.
 82. The circuit interrupting device of claim 81,wherein the circuit interrupter comprises a coil and a plungerconfigured for operative engagement with the latch.
 83. The circuitinterrupting device of claim 82, further comprising a reset lockoutwhich prevents reestablishment of electrical continuity between thefirst pair of electrical conductors and at least one of the second andthird pairs of electrical conductors if at least one of the sensingcircuit and circuit interrupter is inoperative.